Abstract

Background

Comprehensive, multi-level approaches are required to address obesity. One important
target for intervention is the economic domain. The purpose of this study was to synthesize
existing evidence regarding the impact of economic policies targeting obesity and
its causal behaviours (diet, physical activity), and to make specific recommendations
for the Canadian context.

Methods

Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews
was adopted for this study and this consisted of two phases: 1) a structured literature
search and review, and 2) consultation with experts in the research field through
a Delphi survey and an in-person expert panel meeting in April 2010.

Results

Two key findings from the scoping review included 1) consistent evidence that weight
outcomes are responsive to food and beverage prices. The debate on the use of food
taxes and subsidies to address obesity should now shift to how best to address practical
issues in designing such policies; and 2) very few studies have examined the impact
of economic instruments to promote physical activity and clear policy recommendations
cannot be made at this time. Delphi survey findings emphasised the relatively modest
impact any specific economic instrument would have on obesity independently. Based
on empirical evidence and expert opinion, three recommendations were supported. First,
to create and implement an effective health filter to review new and current agricultural
polices to reduce the possibility that such policies have a deleterious impact on
population rates of obesity. Second, to implement a caloric sweetened beverage tax.
Third, to examine how to implement fruit and vegetable subsidies targeted at children
and low income households.

Conclusions

In terms of economic interventions, shifting from empirical evidence to policy recommendation
remains challenging. Overall, the evidence is not sufficiently strong to provide clear
policy direction. Additionally, the nature of the experiments needed to provide definitive
evidence supporting certain policy directions is likely to be complex and potentially
unfeasible. However, these are not reasons to take no action. It is likely that policies
need to be implemented in the face of an incomplete evidence base.